Lower Limb 2: Posterior Thigh and Popliteal Fossa

Question 1

Describe the general gross appearance of the femur

Answer 1

Robust shaft and two complex expanded articular ends

Question 2

What does the femur articulate with?

Answer 2

Proximally with the acetabulum

Distally with the tibia

Question 3

Describe the proximal end of the femur

Answer 3

Spherical head which is joined to the shaft of the femur by the neck

Question 4

What is the distinguishing feature of the cylindrical shaft of the femur?

Answer 4

The linea aspera

Question 5

What is the linear aspera?

Answer 5

A pair of ridges that run longitudinally along the dosas surface and form an attachment site for muscles of the thigh

Question 6

What is the layer of deep fascia surrounding the muscles of the thigh called?

Answer 6

Fascia lata

Question 7

What does the fascia lata form and what do they do?

Answer 7

Three intermuscular septa that attach the linea aspera of the femur

They divide the muscles of the thigh into three compartments: anterior extensor, posterior flexor and medial adductor

Question 8

What are the three compartments of the thigh and what are they formed by?

Answer 8

Anterior extensor
Posterior flexor
Medial adductor

Formed by linea aspera

Question 9

What are the three hamstring muscles?

Answer 9

Semimembranosus

Semitendinosus

Biceps Femoris

Question 10

What is the common origin of the hamstring muscles?

Answer 10

Ischial tuberosity

Question 11

Which muscles does the following nerve innervate in the lower limb?

Tibial branch of the sciatic nerve

Answer 11

Hamstring muscles:

Semimembranosus

Semitendinosus

Biceps femoris

Question 12

What are the distal attachments of semimembranosus?

Answer 12

Medial condyle of tibia

Question 13

What are the distal attachments of semitendinosus

Answer 13

Medial surface of proximal tibia

Question 14

What are the distal attachments of the long head of biceps femoris?

Answer 14

Head of the fibula and lateral tibial condyle

Question 15

Why is the short head of biceps femoris not part of the hamstrings?

Answer 15

It does not share the common proximal attachment and innervation of the hamstring muscles

Question 16

What is the proximal attachment of the short head of biceps femoris?

Answer 16

Distal linea aspera

Supracondylar ridge of femur

Question 17

What innervates the short head of biceps femoris?

Answer 17

Common perineal nerve

Question 18

What is the distal attachment of the short head of biceps femoris?

Answer 18

Head of fibula

Lateral condyle of tibia

Question 19

What are the functions of the hamstrings at the hip?

Answer 19

Extension

Question 20

What are the functions of the hamstrings at the knee?

Answer 20

Flexion

Question 21

Adductor magnus exists in the medial compartment of the thigh. Why is it considered part of the hamstring muscles?

Answer 21

The hamstring part of adductor magnus shared the common proximal attachment and innervation of the hamstring muscles

Question 22

What are the two parts of adductor magnus?

Answer 22

Adductor part

Hamstring part

Question 23

What is the nerve supply to adductor magnus?

Answer 23

Adductor part: posterior branch of obturator nerve

Hamstring part: tibial branch of sciatic nerve

Question 24

What is the origin of adductor magnus?

Answer 24

Adductor part: pubic and ischial rami

Hamstring part: ischial tuberosity

Question 25

Where does the sciatic nerve divide?

Answer 25

A variable point in the back of the thigh

Question 26

What does the sciatic nerve divide into?

Answer 26

The common fibular branch | The tibial branch

Question 27

How does the common fibular nerve and tibial nerve travel after the sciatic splits?

Answer 27

Common fibular deviates laterally Tibial nerve continues in the midline Both enter the popliteal fossa

Question 28

What structure make up the boundaries of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 28

Biceps femoris - superior and lateral Semimembranosus - superior and medial Semitendinosus - Superior and medial Medial head of gastrocnemius - inferior and medial Lateral head of gastrocnemius - inferior and lateral

Question 29

What structures form the roof of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 29

Skin Superficial fascia Deep fascia

Question 30

What structures form the floor of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 30

The popliteal surface of the femur The capsule of the knee joint Strong fascia covering the popliteus muscle

Question 31

What divides the posterior compartment of the leg into superficial and deep sub-compartments?

Answer 31

Transverse intermuscular septum

Question 32

What muscles are in the superficial compartment?

Answer 32

Gastrocnemius Soles Plantaris

Question 33

Which muscle is able to function as a flexor of the knee as well s a plantar flexor of the ankle joint?

Answer 33

Gastrocnemius